Why wellness staycations are the perfect Canadian winter escape

(NC) Many Canadians are looking for a chance to reset and recharge, especially during the winter months, when colder temperatures and shorter days can take a toll on people’s well-being. A growing number of travellers are choosing smaller trips, like staycations and mini getaways, for an accessible way to escape their daily routines without the time, or expense of a longer journey.

“The beauty of a staycation is that it can be done with limited planning and, for those in the workforce, it doesn’t require time off,” said Adam Vaughan, Canadian spokesperson for Therme Group. “We live in a fast-paced society, and with growing burnout rates, a weekend getaway can be the perfect cure to restore some balance.”

Tips for your next staycation

Whether you’re recharging in a nearby small town, or checking out a hotel in your own city, rest and restoration are key. Instead of worrying about packing a schedule and seeing the sights, you can focus on intentional experiences that feel relaxing and indulgent. Think slow living, with beautiful nutritious meals, sunset strolls, long baths, tea and a book; whatever helps transport your mind away from daily life and into vacation mode.

If you’d rather support your health and wellness in a shorter period, embracing Mother Nature is one place to start. You may have heard the term “forest bathing”, which was developed in Japan in the 1980s and focuses on spending time in nature to explore and observe, but with no specific destination or goal.

Disconnecting from devices for a full digital detox is another simple way to support mental health and be more present. If, in the evenings, you’re often in front of the television, you can consider ditching the screen to pick up a book, play a board game or do some yoga.

You can also try a thermal wellness experience. Contrast therapy, which includes alternating between hot and cold exposure through saunas and plunges, has been shown to improve circulation and reduce inflammation. Therme Group’s upcoming Toronto-based location is an example of a new category of accessible urban wellness infrastructure where Canadians will be able to enjoy an affordable water-based vacation experience without leaving their city.

The truth is that you don’t have to go far to find rest, restoration and wellness. By looking at the options near you with new eyes, you can experience that vacation feeling right near home.